Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology 2005 Program of the Year
May 2005 - The SACT is named the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology 2005 Program of the Year. CPRF is a member program of the ARPCT, an international organization designed to support programs that train and place people with disabilities in the workforce.
“It is clear from the nomination that the SACT program continues to make a difference not only to the lives of persons with disability, but to the communities it serves,” wrote Trevor Van Eerden, ARPCT president, in his award letter to the SACT.
The SACT was recognized for training individuals with disabilities, adapting to new methods of programs and training, outstanding employment rates, and making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and in the community.
Van Eerden also commended Janis Krohe, Ph.D., CPRF Employment Services vice president and ARPCT Executive Committee vice president, and Mary Carter, SACT Program director, for their leadership and their active participation as members of ARPCT.
“This award helps validate our program,” Krohe said. “We’re very proud of our team and our graduates, who together have laid the foundation for the school’s success. It’s great to know we’ve succeeded in changing people’s lives for the better.”
Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology 2005 Outstanding Business Advisory Council Member of the Year
May 2005 - Debi Costello, Hewitt Associates, received the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology (ARPCT) Outstanding Business Advisory Council Member of the Year Award for numerous contributions to the SACT.
Costello has served on the Wichita, Kan., BAC for nearly four years after first meeting Janis Krohe, Ph.D., CPRF Employment Services vice president and ARPCT Executive Committee vice president, through BAC recruiting events: “I was very impressed by what they were doing to meet employment goals and I wanted to get involved.”
Costello volunteers her time to conduct mock interviews for SACT students and serve as a guest instructor, lecturing on interviewing skills and resume development.
“I enjoy what I do and it’s great to know that others feel good about it, too,” said Costello, who provided training to approximately 80 SACT graduates in a single year through classroom lectures.
“Her insight is helpful to both students and staff members,” wrote Krohe in Costello’s nomination letter. “We know we can count on her to offer current and timely insight into the needs of the business community as well as in the personal lives of the students.”
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“The SACT has proven that in life we may be faced with overwhelming obstacles, but with guidance, hard work and dedication even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome. The SACT proves this each day it places one of its graduates.”
-- Michelle Wilkinson, APR Consulting, Inc., Atlanta
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin sends a personal note of congratulations
July 2004 - Students of the Atlanta SACT received a personal note of congratulations from Mayor Shirley Franklin. The class represented an Atlanta Workforce Development Agency program that works to empower Atlanta’s youth with the skills and Microsoft certifications that will help them become employed.
In her letter, Mayor Franklin exhorted the graduates to “never forget the friends you have made and the skills that you have developed during the course of this program. Never forget that you are capable of exceeding the expectations that other people set for you through hard work and perseverance. Finally, never forget that you have earned the certificate you receive today, so be proud of yourselves!”
A leader among other Microsoft authorized testing locations
September 2003 - The Wichita SACT was identified as a leader among other Microsoft authorized testing locations in the administration of the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams.
According to Certiport regional Manager of Academic and Commercial Affairs Scott Stoddart the SACT is the largest active account in the region that includes Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, North and South Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Washington.
“You provide a great service to those taking your courses, and your positive attitude in teaching the applications shows by this accreditation,” wrote Stoddart in a memo to the SACT team. “What a great opportunity for [your students] to prepare for the changing environment in the computer/technology world....”
U.S. General Accountability Office says, "...most promising approach..."
October 2001 - The U.S. General Accounting Office recognized the SACT as one of four facilities “having the most promising approaches for identifying and helping TANF [Temporary Assistance to Needy Families] recipients with impairments move to employment.”
SACT gets VA approval
November 2000 - The Department of Veteran Affairs announced CPRF's SACT an approved VA Vocational Rehabilitation Training Program in accordance with Chapter 31, Title 38 U.S. Code. After a hands-on evaluation of the school conducted by the regional VA office, the school’s completely accessible classrooms, assistive technology and accredited courses were found worthy of being added to the vocational training facilities approved by the VA. As a result, disabled veterans seeking training opportunities can now be referred by their vocational counselor to the SACT.
“We are happy to have yet another option to offer our veterans with a service-related disability to get the training they may need to begin a new career in a computer-related field,” said Joe Monsam, VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Officer. “I’m really pleased about this, and we’re enthusiastic about using the SACT.”